Cozy apple muffins

Ingredients

Apple Muffins

1 medium apple (approx. 182 grams / 6.4 ounces)
Juice of 0.5 lemon (approx. 15 milliliters / 1 tablespoon)
100 grams (7 tablespoons) butter at room temperature
50 grams (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
2 large eggs (approx. 100 grams / 3.5 ounces)
100 grams (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
0.25 teaspoon baking soda

Equipment

Muffin Tin
A must-have for baking these little treats. Make sure to grease adequately to prevent sticking.
Mixing Bowls
You'll need a couple of mixing bowls for the wet and dry ingredients. Stainless steel bowls are great for durability.
Electric Mixer
While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer makes the job faster and ensures a fluffier batter.
Grater
A coarse grater will give you the perfect apple texture for your muffins. Watch out for those knuckles!
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are key. Level off dry ingredients for consistent results.

Instructions

Step 1

1. **Peel and Grate the Apple**: Peel the apple and grate it using a coarse grater. Pour the lemon juice over the grated apple to prevent browning. Set it aside. Using lemon juice over the grated apple helps to keep the color fresh and adds a slight tangy flavor.

Step 2

2. **Prepare Butter and Sugar Mixture**: In a mixing bowl, whip the butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Ensure that the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.

Step 3

3. **Add Eggs**: Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Adding the eggs one by one helps to maintain the emulsion and prevents the mixture from breaking.

Step 4

4. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking soda. Gently mix this into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix the batter as this can result in dense muffins.

Step 5

5. **Stir in Apples**: Gently fold the grated apple and its juice into the muffin batter. Folding in the apples gently helps to keep the muffins airy and ensures even distribution.

Step 6

6. **Fill Muffin Cups**: Pour the batter into muffin cups, filling each cup about 3/4 full. Using an ice cream scoop can help achieve evenly sized muffins.

Step 7

7. **Optional Decoration**: If desired, decorate the tops with thin apple or plum slices and sprinkle with some brown sugar and cinnamon. This step adds a lovely texture and flavor to the muffin tops.

Step 8

8. **Bake**: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until a wooden stick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended bake time.

Servings

Apple muffins are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. For a cozy morning, warm up the muffin and pair it with a dollop of butter or a drizzle of honey. If you’re hosting a brunch, serve these muffins with a spread of cream cheese or a side of fresh fruit salad for an elegant touch. They also make a wonderful snack when accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. Fancy a bit of indulgence? Top your muffins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. Want to make them kid-friendly? Add a small bowl of yogurt and some mixed berries on the side for a fun, healthy twist. These muffins are also great for grab-and-go snacks. Individually wrap them in cling film or store in an airtight container to maintain their freshness over a few days. For a quick breakfast, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds and you’re good to go! Enjoy experimenting with different pairings and let these apple muffins bring a touch of warmth to any occasion.

Variations

For those seeking gluten-free options, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum or another binding agent to mimic the texture and elasticity of wheat flour. For a vegan version, replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil, and use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs. To make flax eggs, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. You can also use an unrefined sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup if you prefer.

Faq

Should I peel the apple for these muffins?
Yes, peeling the apple will give the muffins a smoother texture.
Can I use a hand whisk instead of an electric mixer?
You can, but keep in mind it may take longer to achieve a fluffy butter-sugar mixture.
What’s the best way to distribute the batter evenly in muffin cups?
Use an ice cream scoop to ensure each muffin cup gets the same amount of batter.
Could I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Fold in about half a cup of your choice of nuts or dried fruits when mixing in the grated apples.
How can I tell if the muffins are done?
Insert a wooden stick or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are done.
How do I store leftover muffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for up to three months.